Enjoy Martial Arts Without Getting in Trouble

The martial arts require a high level of discipline. For some students, this is the most difficult element of martial arts to learn. While dojos differ in terms of formality, expected behavior, and overall level of discipline, the more prepared, focused, serious, and dedicated you are, the more you will get out of your training. Here are some tips to consider.

Steps

  1. Enter the dojo early if possible, as you can work out any particular physical complaints you may have, or ask one of the more senior students to advise you on a technique you may be having trouble with. This also makes a better impression, as you appear more committed to the training.
  2. During class, don't rush through your forms or anything else you are learning, or you will fail to learn the technique properly. Don't rush to keep up with the higher ranking students; they should have a better grasp of the fundamentals, making correct execution easier for them. Remember; everyone learns at his or her own pace.
  3. Pay attention to relevant important points that the teacher emphasizes. This will be for a good reason, so even if it seems ridiculous at the time, try it out anyway. Remember 'Karate Kid', where Daniel is made to wash cars to learn how to block.
  4. Practice techniques between classes, especially new techniques, or any that you are or were having trouble with. An hour or two a week isn't a long time for learning something, so you shouldn't expect to become proficient just by training at the dojo. Even if you can only set aside a few minutes a day, use it practice anything flagged up as important.
  5. Whilst you don't have to be as fit as Bruce Lee to train in martial arts, it helps if you are exercising alongside martial arts training. You can simply ask your teacher or a senior student to show you some exercises to help with the techniques, or you could join a gym. Reading around the subject of exercise, stretching, strength and other related concepts is recommended.
  6. Always watch the skilled senior students to learn. Don't emulate those senior students that are only at that level because they have been there long and make less attempt than you

Tips

  • Don't be afraid to ask one of the senior students for help. They will be glad to help.
  • Feel free to 'play around' with any techniques, by shifting positions and such, and feeling your body's reaction, or observing how it looks. Getting things wrong in the beginning is perfectly acceptable; mistakes can teach you a lot, and even the highest-ranking member of the class was once a naive beginner.
  • Pay attention throughout the class; if you are learning a technique, then stick to practicing that technique correctly. Undirected 'horseplay' may not be appreciated, especially in the more serious classes; ask your teacher before you start learning.

Warnings

  • Don't use your martial arts for senseless violence; they are for self defence and sport nothing more.
  • Martial arts teachers are not necessarily sports physiologists or trained educators. Be careful if seeking advice from them. If an exercise is too painful, don't be afraid to refuse to perform it.
  • Caution: Talk to your doctor beforehand to make sure you will be able to perform martial arts, especially if you have any conditions that may impede practice.

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